Pet-Proofing Your Home for Peace of Mind

Pet proofing your home is a must if you want to have healthy, happy critters. Dogs and cats can get into serious trouble that can endanger not only them, but you and your family as well. You can find all kinds of advice from pet experts and the advice is all good. However, I have discovered after years of living with my furry buddies, the experts aren't always right. Pets don't read all of the books about how they should act. They just react.

Pet proofing is using common sense more than anything else.

I bought my house in my early twenties. Long before the housing bubble and sky high house prices. I had been living with my mom after leaving college. Anxious for a place of my own, my first dog, Jack and I moved into our new home. Jack was not a puppy at that time and I was not happy the first time I discovered a wet spot on the carpet in a corner. This was my first pet challenge in our new home. Trying to remain patient, I tried everything to get him to stop piddling in the corner. Even though I had grown up with animals, Jack was my first attempt at sole custody of a pet. I knew he was marking his territory, but he didn't understand, inside the house was my territory. I tried everything I knew to persuade him to stop to no avail. I finally read an article from a dog expert who claimed dogs don't like lemon or orange. The recommendation was to use a lemon or orange spray on the spot, but better yet, slice a lemon or orange and place on the area. OK. I haven't tried that yet. Sure enough, the slice of lemon stopped Jack from peeing on that spot. He was too busy eating the slice of lemon. Now, if you've ever tried to eat a slice of lemon yourself, you can imagine the faces you made as that sour taste flowed into surprised taste buds. Now think of a dog making those same faces. He also liked the orange slices that came after the lemon. So that experiment didn't work. He still piddled in the corner after eating the lemon and orange treats. My solution to the infraction of marking my space. A little vinegar and water on the soiled area and more outside time did the trick. Once he got the idea, we had no more problems and he respected my territory.

Pet proofing for cats.

This is a tough one. Cats can find things you lost years ago. They will appear from a nook or cranny you never thought they could get into, hauling a prized find in their mouth. Be especially diligent with small things like thumb tacks, rubber bands, buttons, etc. They can be swallowed in an instant and cause serious problems for your hairy friend. Since cats like dark places, it's anybodies guess where they can find a place to hole up. Sick cats will retreat to a quiet, out of the way place to recuperate. It's important to know your house inside and out because if your cat is sick, you need to pay attention to them in case a visit to the vet is in order. Never assume a hole or probable hiding place is too small for your furry buddy. Also, cats don't always respond to their name. You know the attitude. "I am cat, leave me alone. If I desire anything, I'll let you know. If you want obedience, find the dog". Cats can jump around 7 times as high as their tail, so you need to be aware of high places out of your reach and sight. You could be surprised with a sudden leap from your little kitty pretending to be a mountain lion. They like that game and always seem to time their leap when you have a cup of hot coffee in your hand.

Pet proofing a room by seeing it as your pet sees it.

Get down on your hands and knees and see your home from the view your pet has. Electrical sockets can be vulnerable. I once had a male cat back up to an outlet just as I was walking out the door to go to work. Hello. I saw the after effects of his male marking episode. Yes, he got a shock and yeah, cat urine and electricity don't mix. As I waited for the fire department to arrive, I called my workplace to alert them I was going to be late then soothed my frazzled kitty. He was fine, the house didn't burn down, but the electrical socket did supply enough smoke to warrant the call to my friendly fire department. That socket has not been the same since and the firemen left my house with smiles on their faces.

Pet proofing by thinking like your pet.

You have to think like a animal. Electrical cords are there for the amusement of the pet. That's what they think. The table lamp that attracts flies to its light also grabs the attention of any astute cat or dog. That nice picture window that allows the morning sun to slowly finger its way across the living room floor also provides perfect viewing for your huge Great Dane or any other big, powerful dog to people watch. Some dogs may lunge a little too hard and crash through the window. No, I haven't had that experience, yet. Window blind cords hanging from the blinds can get wrapped around the neck of a playing cat or dog. A burning candle can startle an inquisitive animal that in turn could knock the candle over. That aspirin you dropped last week that rolled out of sight can poison your cat if they find it before you do. Ant, roach or mouse poison, spilled anti freeze from your car and some houseplants can poison cats and dogs as well as your children.

Pet proofing your home is an ongoing adventure and constant challenge. Sharing your space with a pet means being vigilant for hidden dangers that could create disastrous results not only for them, but for you as well. Pet experts do know what they are talking about, so don't ignore their advice. I take experts advice into account when dealing with my little herd of pets, but I've also learned from living with pets that common sense goes a long way to making sure they are safe and your home is secure. Be prepared for anything, because if you aren't, your happy family could suffer from assuming your pet couldn't get into trouble inside your home.

9 Quick Tips to Pet-Proof Your Home, right at home

Protecting Animals, American Humane

Midori Nakamura, Pet-Proofing Your Home, divine caroline